Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A brightly ringed elapid with red, yellow, and black bands, known for the order in which its bands touch.
- Adult length
- 0.5-1.0 m (1.6-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern United States
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The eastern coral snake is a small, brilliantly banded elapid found across the southeastern United States, closely related to cobras despite its modest size. It is well known for the order of its colored bands, in which red bands touch yellow ones.
It is secretive and rarely encountered, spending much of its time burrowed in leaf litter or underground.
How to identify it
- Bold bands of red, yellow, and black encircling the body, with red bands directly touching yellow bands
- Small, blunt, rounded head, black at the snout, not distinct from the neck
- Round pupils, smooth scales
- Red bands touch yellow bands, whereas in look-alikes such as the scarlet kingsnake red bands touch black
- Small size and slender build compared to most vipers
Habitat & range
Inhabits pine flatwoods, scrub, and sandy woodland habitats across the southeastern United States, often hidden beneath leaf litter, logs, or loose soil, rarely seen in the open.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and fossorial, spending most of its time underground or under debris, emerging mainly after rain or during breeding season. Feeds primarily on other small snakes and lizards. Egg-laying, with small clutches.
Frequently asked questions
What does the coral snake eat?
Mainly other small snakes and lizards.
Is the coral snake often seen?
No, it is highly secretive, spending most of its time hidden underground or beneath debris.
Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Coral Snake.
